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Leon Osman and Stuart Pearce discuss Tottenham's problems at Wembley

By Mark Crellin

Sunday brought another Wembley defeat for Christian Eriksen and Tottenham

Leon Osman has told Sky Sports Daily that he thinks Tottenham's struggles at Wembley have become a "big issue" for the potential title contenders.

Spurs have struggled at Wembley in recent seasons - falling short in the Champions League and the Europa League last term - but are now using the national stadium as a temporary home while White Hart Lane is redeveloped.

And it was a familiar story for Spurs fans on Sunday as the first Premier League game at Wembley ended in a 2-1 loss to Chelsea, who beat them at the same ground in last season's FA Cup semi-final.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has been keen to play down the Wembley woes and said after Sunday's match: "If you love football and you want to watch the game, you will see that Wembley wasn't the problem."

Mauricio Pochettino felt his side deserved a lot more from their defeat to Chelsea

Mauricio Pochettino felt his side deserved a lot more from their defeat to Chelsea

But former Everton and England man Osman thinks the Wembley factor might undermine an expected title tilt from last season's runners-up.

"I think it has become a big issue," said Osman. "They just can't seem to get a result (at Wembley), whether it is a thing about more space on the field or whether defensively they are not quite able to cope as well.

"Is it more of a mental thing now at Wembley? Can they handle the stadium and how it affects teams, because your opposition bring a lot more fans than they are used to, make a lot more noise? It becomes more of a neutral venue.

"It is certainly a question that Spurs need to answer.

"Their home record will be good at the end of the season but they are getting judged in the big games, in the Champions League and against the top teams in the Premier League and, at the moment, they are being found wanting."

Another former England man, Stuart Pearce, was also on Premier League Daily, and pointed out that so far Spurs have generally been facing top class opposition at Wembley.

However, he agreed that teams such as Burnley, who visit this Sunday, may savour the Wembley experience.

"It is two things for me," said Pearce.

Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea

Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea

"Firstly, it is the magnitude of the teams you play at Wembley. Bear in mind, they are playing Champions League teams, or they are playing Cup finals or FA Cup semi-finals, where you are playing against the big sides.

"So, the chances of winning those games diminish slightly.

"Also, there is no doubt, when the likes of Huddersfield, Burnley, West Brom, turn up to play at Wembley this season, there will be a touch more about the players and the fans as well.

"Spurs will end up having a good home record, because they are a very good side, but it has become a slight leveller."